Jerry Falwell Jr. Says Tillerson’s Support for Openly ‘Gay’ Scouts Irrelevant to Being Secretary of State

Speaking on CNN on Thursday, Jerry Falwell Jr., the president of what heralds itself as the world’s largest Christian university, defended Donald Trump’s pick of ExxonMobil president Rex Tillerson as secretary of state, opining that Tillerson’s support of homosexuals in the Boy Scouts will have nothing to do with his job as a diplomat.

Falwell appeared on “Erin Burnett Outfront,” who noted that Tony Perkins of Family Research Council had issued a statement of objection to Tillerson on Monday.

As previously reported, Perkins, who had supported Trump’s candidacy, said that the president-elect’s consideration of Tillerson “should be particularly alarming to conservatives who’ve spent the last eight years watching the State Department lead the global parade for the slaughter of innocent unborn children and the intimidation of nations with natural views on marriage and sexuality.”

Perkins was referring to Tillerson, who served as president of the Boy Scouts of America from 2010-2012, being instrumental in the organization’s decision to allow openly homosexual scouts and leaders. ExxonMobil also donates to Planned Parenthood via its employee matching gift program, matching the donations of its workers’ own choosing—some of whom give to the abortion giant.

“Trump calls Rex a ‘world class player and dealmaker,’ but if these are the kinds of deals Tillerson makes—sending dollars to an abortion business that’s just been referred for criminal prosecution and risking the well-being of young boys under his charge in an attempt to placate radical homosexual activists—then who knows what sort of ‘diplomacy’ he would champion at DOS?” Perkins asked.

But on Thursday, Falwell said that it doesn’t bother him that Trump selected Tillerson for the role, and doesn’t think his views on “social issues” have anything to do with being secretary of state.

“Tony’s a good friend, but I disagree with him on this issue,” Falwell said. “I’ve watched Trump put together his cabinet; it’s been so exciting to me because I’ve watched it go from a group of theoreticians and academicians under Obama to people who have really succeeded in the real world.”

“I think Trump’s putting together a dream team,” he continued. “He’s picking the best from every industry, from every walk of life, and it’s people who’ve actually succeeded, and I think that’s what this country needs. I think the American people said, ‘No more amateurs.'”

Burnett then proceeded to obtain clarification about Falwell’s disagreement with Perkins, specifically whether or not Tillerson’s part in changing the policy on open homosexuals in the Boy Scouts affects his views about the appointment.

“So, you’re not upset about Rex Tillerson’s social views,” she said. “I mean, he is widely credited and lauded by many—credited with allowing gays into the Boy Scouts. This is what a lot of people support him for.”

“I just don’t see what his views on social issues have to do with being secretary of state,” Falwell interjected. “I think that’s a role that will focus on diplomacy, on deal-making, which as the leader of a global enterprise—the CEO of ExxonMobil—he’s so good at. I don’t think the social issues will ever come up in his role as secretary of state.”

As previously reported, Falwell, who endorsed Trump earlier this year, repeatedly has stated that he believes Trump is a Christian, but that he shouldn’t be “judged” for sinful words and deeds because “we’re all sinners.”

“Jesus said, ‘Judge not, lest ye be judged.’ Let’s stop trying to choose the political leaders who we believe are the most godly because, in reality, only God knows people’s hearts. You and I don’t, and we are all sinners,” he told the student newspaper in March.

Falwell also stated in October when a Liberty student created a petition expressing opposition to Trump, as well as Falwell’s endorsement of the candidate, “This student statement seems to ignore the teachings of Jesus not to judge others, but they are young and still learning.”

Become a Christian News Network Supporter...

Dear Reader, has ChristianNews.net been of benefit and a blessing to you? For many years now, the Lord has seen fit to use this small news outlet as a strong influential resource in keeping Christians informed on current events from a Biblical worldview. Despite Facebook's recent algorithm changes, which has limited our readership, and, as a result, has affected operational revenue, we continue to strive to bring you the news without compromise and to keep Christ in focus. If you have benefited from our news coverage, would you please prayerfully consider becoming a Christian News supporter by clicking here to make a one-time or monthly donation to help keep the truth widely and freely published and distributed?May Christ continue to be exalted through this work!

Commenting Guidelines: We welcome readers to comment on stories, but we will not tolerate remarks containing profanity, vulgarity, violence, blasphemy, all caps or any discourteous behavior. Thank you for your cooperation in maintaining a respectful public environment where readers can engage in reasonable discussion about matters affecting our nation and our world.Read More →

Nidalap

Sounds similar to the argument that Bill Clinton’s indiscretions wouldn’t affect his job performance, back in the day…

jscotttheory

Bill Clinton…second best president in the past 50 years. The best will be in office one more month.

Lemons

Jerry Falwell Jr, doesn’t care what God’s word says about homosexually men sleeping with men,nor does it concern him that Tillerson will push the homosexual agenda to Russia and throughout the world. Many Countries see homosexually as a SIN. His Father, was a GREAT,GODLY Man, will be greatly disappointed to see what his Son has become.MAY GOD,HAVE MERCY!! On Falwell Jr’s Soul when he stands before Christ one day, a VERY SPECIAL place awaits him in the Lake of Fire for making GOD’s children comprise their Christian values for an UnGodly man like Trump. Falwell Jr is WOLF IN SHEEP.

Michex

And LGBTQ fascism should have no place in US foreign policy.
Obama has been trying to foist homosexuality on countries with a traditional culture. That’s fascism.

jscotttheory

That absolutely is not fascism…take a class or read a book once in a while.

Saunders61

How is an article about an unusually rational and legitimate position of a religious leader tagged within the Apostasy category? Seems the Religious Reich doesn’t care for reasoned arguments tainted with free thought.

Lemons

“Beware of false prophets, who come to you in sheep’s clothing but inwardly are ravenous wolves.” Matthew 7:15 (NRSV) Falwell is what the Devil looks like, somebody should throw some Holy Water on him, to see if His head will turn backwards and look out for some peasoup

Amos Moses

/SMH ………

1 Corinthians 15:33
Do not be deceived: “Bad company corrupts good morals.”

Proverbs 13:20
He who walks with wise men will be wise, But the companion of fools will suffer harm.

1 Corinthians 5:11
But actually, I wrote to you not to associate with any so-called brother if he is an immoral person, or covetous, or an idolater, or a reviler, or a drunkard, or a swindler–not even to eat with such a one.

Proverbs 14:7
Leave the presence of a fool, Or you will not discern words of knowledge.

Psalm 26:4-5
I do not sit with deceitful men, Nor will I go with pretenders. I hate the assembly of evildoers, And I will not sit with the wicked.

William B Travis

No kidding. Falwell is an idiot if that’s his position.

Trilemma

The Department of State is concerned about human rights around the world. Hopefully, Tillerson will be an advocate for gay rights in other countries. Gay rights are human rights.

Your ignorance is showing. Necrophilia and pedophilia are against the law. It harms others. Homosexuality harms nobody.

tatoo

Necrophilia is dead.

Oboehner

Legality is no indication of what is normal or harmful, if that’s your reasoning I’ll bet you would have been a slave owner back when that was the norm.
BTW Homosexuality harms ALL participants whether they wish to admit it or not.

“Reading comprehension isn’t your strong point…” Resorting to that now are we? Your reasoning as you stated it was if it’s legal and if some judge says it’s ok, it’s just swell with you.

johndoe

Nope. You’re putting statements in my comment that I havent made

OhSoGood

Please define how. In detail, homosexuality harms all participants.

And please.. going against the tenets of your faith is not harmful, so leave that part out.

Oboehner

I would, but it would be most disgusting, but let’s suffice to say it would be much in the same way a heroin addict harms himself every time he shoots up.

OhSoGood

That’s not demonstrative of anything. Provide details or I’ll have to admit you can’t.

A comparison of being gay to doing heroin simply reinforces your ignorance.

Oboehner

Says you in your wishful thinking world. The APA had it right before the gay lobby strong-armed their perversion off the list.

OhSoGood

ROFLOL! You’re a wingnut conspiracy encyclopedia!

Oboehner

There it is the intellectual white flag.

Oboehner

Addiction, if you don’t understand that troll somewhere else, like perhaps the large purple dinosaur’s site.

OhSoGood

You think being gay is an addiction? ROFLOL!

Oh… wow!

Oboehner

A mental problem.

Michex

No, the things you cited are inclinations.
What is against the law is if the person actually put these inclinations into effect.
I am against Rex Tillerson because it is not the business of the US to force LGBTQ fascism on more traditional countries of Africa and Asia.

johndoe

The US isnt forcing homosexuality on anyone. Barbwire and the racist bigots there miss you…

Michex

Barbwire has had hundreds of stories about homosexual books, courses, pamphlets, and brainwashing in public schools.
Children as young as 5 years old are subjected to this, and lots of parents protest. Children are being told that their sex is a matter of how they feel and that if they feel like the opposite sex it’s OK.
In the history of world, children have never been taught such nonsense.
The problem with people such as yourself is that you simply ignore facts.

johndoe

Barbwire is the home of self hating racists and bigots. No disagreement allowed…ie censorship. Its actually a laughing stock of a website amongst the educated posters.

OhSoGood

It isn’t even carried on any news aggregator that I know of. This site is, as is whackjob sites like Charisma News, but old Fat Matt Barber is excluded.

Oboehner

LOL, tell that to the bakery.

johndoe

You mean the bakery that broke public accommodation laws?

Oboehner

No the bakery whose constitutional rights were violated by mentally deranged perverts.

Ridiculous. They broke the law. Period. Religious beliefs do not trump our system of laws.

Oboehner

Constitutionally protected rights trump judicial opinion – period.

johndoe

Not judicial opinion….written law.

Amos Moses

but necrophilia harms no one …………. so should be good ….. right ………….

Trilemma

The families of the victims of Jeffrey Dahmer would disagree with you.

Amos Moses

was not addressing you …… was addressing the comment about no harm and its all good ……… not that i agreed with that idea ……….

Royce E. Van Blaricome

““I just don’t see”. Yup, that about sums it up. But he couldn’t stop there. He had to go and show his utter ignorance of the Bible with his ““Jesus said, ‘Judge not, lest ye be judged.’”

That he should be the President of the “world’s largest Christian university” may well be a lot more telling that one would like! That is one apple that fell a LONG way from the tree!

tatoo

He also gives to Planned Parenthood.

Michex

Listen, Obama and Sec. of State Kerry have made “gay rights” (LGBTQ fascism) a cornerstone of American foreign policy in many ways. This is well-documented.

So, it certainly does matter that this Rex Tillerson is pro-LGBTQ.
It’s bad news for a man like him with such power as Sec. of State to be pro-LGBTQ.

Grace Kim Kwon

A new form of slavery. Those who seek the West’s dirty money are fools.

OhSoGood

Bible = No Freedom

Amos Moses

so all you have is contradiction ….. good debate technique ……. not ……..

OhSoGood

It’s quite simple… the buybull demands you live a very specific way… or else.

That is not freedom.

Amos Moses

so obviously you have not read it …… or do not understand it ….. and the only bull here is what you just said ………… thnx ……………

OhSoGood

Yes, I have. Live this way or die. Do as I say or die and suffer for eternity.

That is the summary of the book.

The buybull IS slavery.

Amos Moses

so you have not read it as it should be read and it is locked away from your understanding …….. reading it with the mind of man is not the correct way to read it with understanding ….. and no ….. that is not the summary of the book …… that is your flawed summary ……

so that part about “thou shall not kill” ……… how is that slavery …… and what is your alternative ………….

Trilemma

Hopefully, Tillerson will counteract the efforts of groups like Campus Crusade for Christ to foist Christian fascism on other countries such as those in Africa.

jscotttheory

Christian fascism? Probably more like a totalitarian theocracy, but not necessarily fascist.

jscotttheory

“Fascism” that word doesn’t mean what you seem to think it means. Pretty lazy to just throw that word around as a pejorative when I’m sure you don’t understand it.

TXpoast

Brilliant prediction there. Too bad you were wrong (again).

Grace Kim Kwon

He is naive and wrong. Openly gay people lack the basic level of morality and only promote and enforce immorality in the world. Everyone demands everyone else to do likewise. The world needs Christian leaders for everyone’s honesty, safety, freedom and happiness. USA’s loss of power will be the only right answer. Powerful Sodom only brings grief to the entire world. God will punish all nations that corrupt the residents. It’s matter of time. Reign of USA is over.

Harry Oh!

Alas, we couldn’t get everything, even Trump himself has no problem with gays. But appointing this guy to this position will unfortunately continue the Hillary legacy of elevating perversion to the level of a fundamental value that has to be nurtured and nourished and promoted all over the world. I hope Putin has the balls to stand against it.

OhSoGood

Putin? Wow… just wow!

Emmanuel

I’m speechless. This pharisee does not speak for all evangelicals. He is only speaking for the ungodly church members.

Tangent002

Does Falwell have stock in Exxon-Mobile?

Robert

If we could not judge what’s right from wrong we would all be muslim. And no christian could serve on jury,s either . Falwell is doing the old trick of isolating a bible passage from its complete context .
Tillisen. Not only supported and defended unrepentant homosexuals he shoved the homosexual agenda down peoples throats that wanted nothing to do with it. We have the right if we want to let our representatives know not to confirm Tillirsen and tell them why.

Get Breaking Christian News in Your Inbox!

Sign Me Up! Top Daily Top Weekly

Christian News Headlines

Keep your site fresh and your visitors coming back by featuring Christian News Network's top news stories on your site. Learn more →

Connect With Us:

Learn More

About Christian News Network

Christian News Network provides up-to-date news and information affecting the body of Christ worldwide from an uncompromising Biblical worldview. Our objective is to present the news with the word of God as our lens, and to bring to light what is hid in the darkness. Learn more →